Trailer Wheel Bearing Maintenance

[NautiqueJeff]

In the past, I have had this done by someone else. I want to start doing it myself.

What exactly needs to be done to the trailer wheel bearings at the end of the season? What are the procedures?

[skinautique]

RE: Trailer Wheel Bearing Maintenance

If you keep them regularly greased, you should be fine. The problem comes when water gets in there. If you do get water in them, you need to pull everything out, clean them all real well, inspect them and either replace them or repack them. It is close to a 3 hour job.
I know this comment wasn't a ton of help but.........

[Rick]

RE: Trailer Wheel Bearing Maintenance

If you have bearing buddies all you have to do is make sure they have enough grease in them to keep the rings popped out past the rim. If not I have always disassembled mine every 2 years cleaned them well and repacked them. Its important to use waterproof grease and if you have brakes use hi temp. also after you tighten the nuts down drive it about a mile and then recheck that they are still tight. It's really easy but as ski says it does take time.

[BASC]

Wheel Bearings

I run a twin axle rig for my SN, and therefore have a keen interest in this subject as there are 4 worries.
The first thing to remember having towed your rig to the lake, as much as you want to get your toy launched and play, DON'T, allow the bearing to cool a little first.
If you do not then the bearing will still be hot, the water will force its way in and the grease out. Do this a couple of times and the next time you go to tow your rig the bearings will be clear of grease will overheat and seize. Trust me I've been there and its not nice and pretty expensive to fix.
So a bit of patients on arrival and regular maintenance (once a year) on the bearing and you will be trouble free.
So how do I carry out maintenance on my bearings.
This operation is best carried out with your Pride and Joy on the water.
1. Ensure the rig is securely supported with the hand brake (if fitted) disengaged then remove the wheel.
2. Ease off the Axle cover, this should reveal a large nut held in place by a split pin.
3. Remove the Split pin and Nut (it should only be hand tight)
4. Remove the Drum cover, the bearings may come off with this, if not you can see them and should remove them seperately. (You will also be able to see the brake shoes when the drum is removed).
5. Inspect the bearings, repleace if necessay (always replace in pairs), or Clean and regrease the bearings, axle spindle, and drum
6. Visually check the brake shoes for any wear.

Reassembly.
1. Replace the Drum and bearings (add extra grease as required) you can never have to much grease packed in.
2. Replace the nut (hand tight) and fit a NEW split pin.
3. Spin the drum, it should spin pretty easily.
3. Replace the end axle cover (add extra grease as required).
4. Replace the wheel.
5. Spin the wheel before you lower the rig, it should spin pretty easily.
6. Man handle the rig around and check the braking system works correctly.
7. Replace your pride and joy on the trailer and have trouble free trailering for the rest of the year.

I did my whole rig in about 2 hours with just the basic tools.
The first time you do it take your time and make a mental note of and difficulties you have encountered for next time.

Please note this is how I do it in the UK, your trailers may be different so if in doubt always consult an expert before you start.

Or as Rick suggests get Bearing Buddies, but that would take the fun out of it!
Good Luck

[FatBoy]

RE: Wheel Bearings

The new trailer I am getting on my 05 will be oil bath. What are the pros-cons of those.

[TylerO]

RE: Wheel Bearings

Fatboy,

Only what I've read/heard not from personal experience:

Pro: Virtually no maintenance needed
Pro: No messy grease all over your wheels when your squeeze in too much grease
Pro: Less change of bearing failure u

Con: More expensive up front and if you should have a bearing go bad (oil leaks out/failure)

[ssaxet]

RE: Wheel Bearings

Hey Fatboy....
What brand trailer are you getin the oil bath hubs on.... is it tandem or single... disc brakes or drums....
Ive got a ramlin single, Iwant disc brakes and those hubs... tired of bearing mtc...
we tow alot...

[M3Fan]

RE: Wheel Bearings

I would replace/repack the bearings every 2 years no matter what. Considering what you have riding on those babies, it is well worth it. You will need a bearing/race set for each wheel and a new seal for each wheel since you have to destroy the seals to get the rear bearings out. When these bearings blow out from neglect, it's not a pretty sight. The job is basic, but it is messy and aggrevating. One thing I'll add to BASC's rundown is to snug the castle nut down with pliers to set the bearings and then back it off about a half turn. This way you make sure your hub is all the way on and the bearings are sitting in the races. There is plenty of documentation out there on how to do this. If you can afford to have someone else do it, you should because it is just a huge mess of grease.

[FatBoy]

RE: Wheel Bearings

It will be a Prestige, tandem trailer. I know it will have surge brakes but I don't know if they will be drum or disc.

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Wheel Bearings

We have a ramlin tandem and one of the hub caps fell off a while ago, and just got it replaced like last month. We went a couple months w/o any hub cap, and I think if we were to have the oil, we wouldn't be able to do this. Yet, we are still thinking of upgrading this year, esp. because we now have 3 blue hub caps and one chrome one! :lol:

[ssaxet]

RE: Wheel Bearings

I havent been able to find an oil bath hub big enough to fit the ramlin trailer with 6 lugs..
I cant remember the axle mgf for ramlin.... and IMHO bearing mtc should be done prior to strorage each year.... mine are always wet at the end of each year... mikly grease... just gonna rust those bearings.... and lead to a harley afternoon, ya know stand on side of the road and watch the world go by, maybe be passed by your own trailer wheel......

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Wheel Bearings

ssaxet, I think all Ram-Lins are coming standard with them for 05, thats why we may be upgrading.